Roland V-Drums Buying Guide

If the sheer number of Roland V-Drums products sold at Sweetwater — kits, modules, pads, and accessories — has you scratching your head, then you’re not alone. Questions about the differences between V-Drums products are among the most common eDrum questions our drum experts receive.

To help guide you in your next V-Drums purchase, Sweetwater has broken down the different series of the V-Drums product line into a Q&A-style format. By the end, you should have a good idea which V-Drums kit is right for you.

Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!

• TD-02
• TD-07
• TD-17
• TD-27
• TD-50

Which V-Drums Are Right for Me?

The heart of every Roland V-Drums drum kit is the sound module, or “brain,” that generates the sounds and supplies the tools inside. Quality of sounds, onboard features, and numbers of kits/instruments vary significantly from one module to the next, so what potential buyers should ask themselves first is, “How do I plan to use my V-Drums?” Someone who only needs a silent practice tool will likely require a different module than someone looking for the best possible sounds for stages and studios.

After deciding on a module, you should next ask yourself questions regarding configuration and playability. How many drum and cymbal pads do you want? Are you OK with shallow electronic pads, or would you prefer deeper shells that look more like an acoustic kit? Do you prefer to use standard kick-drum pedals and hi-hat stands? With these thoughts in mind, here’s an overview of each of the major players.

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TD-02

First up is the Roland TD-02 models of V-Drums comprised of the TD-02K and the TD-02KV drum sets. Both sets use the TD-02 module; the “K” and “KV” refer to the different hardware and configuration of the drum set. All models of V-Drums follow this formula of mentioning the module first followed by the letters that denote hardware and configuration. The TD-02 module itself contains 16 kits that cover a wide range of genres and acoustic as well as electronic drum and cymbal sounds. The TD-02 module also has a stereo audio input so you can connect your smartphone and drum along to your favorite tunes. Additionally, both TD-02 kits make great entry-level drum sets due to an onboard metronome (with flashing LED) and Coach Mode — a fantastic tool that will help any young drummer instantly rocket to first chair. Finally, regarding playability, the TD-02K has a height-adjustable stand that makes it comfortable for young drummers whereas the TD-02KV has a more traditional drum-set layout as well as a mesh snare drumhead that more accurately emulates the feel of a real snare drum.

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TD-07

Our next rung on the V-Drums ladder is represented by the six kits currently available in the TD-07 family. First, the TD-07 retains the TD-02’s Coach Mode and metronome but differs from the TD-02 in a couple of significant ways. Not only are there more sounds (143) and stock kits (25) available, but the TD-07 also gives you the ability to create 25 of your own custom drum sets! This is great for unleashing creativity and preparing different drum sounds for different songs within a concert program or set list. Five of the six TD-07 family members differ only in their drum/cymbal pad sizes and construction, and while they’re all substantial upgrades from the TD-02 pads, we won’t go into detail about each individual kit here for the sake of brevity (though you can compare them all using the links below). However, we will take a moment to mention the VAD103: It uses the TD-07 module like the others, but it’s the entry into what Roland calls V-Drums Acoustic Design (VAD). Each of the VAD kits is meant to have the features and sounds of an electronic kit but with larger, wooden shells that have the appearance of a traditional acoustic drum set. Many gigging drummers here at Sweetwater find VAD kits to be the best of both worlds, and the VAD103 with the TD-07 module is the easiest point of entry.

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TD-17

Moving along, the mid-tier TD-17 models of V-Drums are where many Sweetwater drummers feel like things really start to get interesting! First, the TD-17 module: you’ll get 50 preset kits with another 50 slots for user-created kits, and now, starting with the TD-17 V-Drums family, you can also import your own one-shot samples to layer with the module’s internal sounds! Additionally, Roland regularly makes more sounds, samples, and even artist kits available via their Roland Cloud software. Coach Mode is now joined by Time Check, Quiet Count, and warm-up menus for substantially more practice-session superchargers, and there’s an onboard recorder that lets you capture your playing for up to three minutes (or up to 60 minutes with an SD card). The TD-17 module also features far more effects than its “younger siblings”; these include compression, reverb, and EQ, and they are adjustable per individual drum/cymbal pad. Speaking of the pads, they’re akin to those found on the TD-07 models except for the CY-14R-T ride-cymbal pad, which provides you with an extra inch of striking surface versus the CY-13R-BK found on the TD-07. Finally, the TD-17 models feature the next step up for Roland’s VAD drums in the form of the VAD307, which features, in addition to the TD-17 module, the aforementioned CY-14R-T ride-cymbal pad as well as one more tom pad than its VAD103 cousin.

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TD-27

Up next are the TD-27 models: the first of Roland’s two V-Drums offerings that are considered professional-tier electronic kits. To begin, the TD-27 module uses what’s called Prismatic Sound Modeling, which lets you edit seemingly everything about each individual drum/cymbal sound, including diameter, depth, and pitch, and add stellar effects like compression, reverb, delay, chorus, and much more. This technology, plus the PureAcoustic Ambience technology (which utilizes virtual mic placements to dial in room ambience), is developed from Roland’s flagship TD-50 module. When combined with the TD-27KV2’s 8-zone PD-140DS snare pad, 2-piece VH-14D hi-hat pads, and 18-inch CY-18DR ride-cymbal pad, the differences in customization, realism, and playability between the TD-27KV2 and TD-17KV2 are simply stunning leaps. Furthermore, the TD-27 module functions as a fully integrated 28-channel USB audio interface for studio settings and includes stereo mix out plus two assignable outputs for live situations. Finally, the TD-27 retains everything its TD-17 sibling has in regard to built-in practice tools, onboard Bluetooth, WAV file import for layering, and expandability via the Roland Cloud software.

The TD-27 module is also featured in not one but two kits that belong to Roland’s VAD electronic drum sets: the VAD504 and the VAD507. The primary difference between the two is a 4-piece versus 5-piece configuration with an additional 12-inch rack tom and 16-inch crash-cymbal pad on the VAD507.

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TD-50X

Last but most definitely not least is Roland’s flagship model: the Roland TD-50X. Let’s make a slight change of pace by first pointing out the one thing missing from the TD-50X module relative to the TD-27 — the TD-50 doesn’t have Bluetooth (though it does have a Mix input so you can still play along to your favorite tunes). With that out of the way, the TD-50X contains everything the TD-27 has and much more. Prismatic Sound Modeling and PureAcoustic Ambience technologies are onboard, of course, with even deeper editing functionalities and effects, and you can import your own WAV samples with an SD card for layering. Once you’ve crafted your perfect drum set(s), a stereo XLR master out and eight TRS direct outs enable you to send it to an audio interface or mixer. The TD-50X module also functions as a 32-channel USB audio/MIDI interface for the ultimate in studio flexibility, and its four analog aux inputs allow for immediate kit expansion. Finally, something that many Sweetwater drummers find particularly amazing about the TD-50X module is, despite being so stuffed with features, its interface is extremely easy to navigate (even more so than the TD-27 module).

Regarding the actual pads and hardware, it goes without saying that the TD-50X family contains the best that Roland has to offer. A 14-inch PD-140DS snare, 18-inch CY-18DR ride cymbal, and VH-14D hi-hat offer an incredibly realistic feel and response. Add two 16-inch CY-16T crash-cymbal pads, two PD-108-BC tom pads, two PD-128-BC floor-tom pads, and an 18-inch KD-180 bass drum with a real birch shell, and well . . . the Roland TD-50KV2 might make you forget that you’re playing an electronic drum set! The TD-50K2 differs only in slightly smaller pad sizes; it has three 10-inch PDX-100 tom pads and a 14-inch CY-14C-T crash-cymbal pad (in addition to a CY-16R-T crash-cymbal pad, of which the TD-50KV2 has two). The absolute crème de la crème of the entire V-Drums series, however, is the VAD706. In addition to the snare, hi-hat, ride, and crash-cymbal triggers of the TD-50KV2, the VAD706 adds a standard-size 22-inch KD-222 bass drum, 10-inch PDA100 high-tom pad, 12-inch PDA120 mid-tom pad, and 14-inch PDA140F floor-tom pad. Plus, it comes in various finishes that make it not only a marvel of modern drum technology but also a work of art.

To sum up: If you desire the absolute best in sound quality, editing capabilities, studio/stage mix versatility, realistic feel, and professional appearance currently available in an electronic drum set, then it simply does not get any better than Roland’s TD-50X models of V-Drums.

Preset kits: 70

User kits: 30

Instrument sounds: 961

Audio over USB: Yes, 1x USB-B (32-channel record/32-channel playback)

MIDI: USB, 5-pin DIN in/out/thru      

Trigger inputs: 16 x 1/4-inch; 3 x USB-A

Outputs: XLR L/R master; 1/4-inch L/R master; 8 x 1/4-inch direct; 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch headphones

Bluetooth: NoPads expandable: Yes

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Roland V-Drums FAQ

As you can see, there’s a range of budgets and needs covered by the V-Drums product family. Now that you’ve got a module in mind, you need to consider whether you want the full kit or just the brain on its own.

Full Kit or Piecemeal?

By far, the most common way to step up to a new V-Drums series is in a kit, or set, bundle. V-Drums kits include the sound module, drum and cymbal pads, a rack stand, and all the hookup cables you’ll need. Buying kits tends to make the most sense for most players since it’s a completely integrated system whose parts are designed to work harmoniously together.

In addition to being sold in kits, several of our Roland V-Drums modules are available a la carte. If you already have pads you enjoy playing* and are just looking for a sound and feature upgrade, then a module on its own can be the way to go. Remember: you can always buy the pieces you need today and add pads and hardware down the road as long as your module supports it.

*Zone-compatible Roland Drum Pads
Only zone-compatible Roland drum pads are guaranteed to unlock the full expression of your V-Drums sound module. Contact Sweetwater for more information.

Rubber Pads or Mesh Heads?

Roland V-Drums drum pads are available in two varieties: those with rubber playing surfaces and those with tunable mesh heads. Roland’s rubber pads are some of the best in the industry with a high rebound, dependable triggering, and a reasonably quiet and comfortable feel under sticks. Rubber pads are generally reserved for Roland’s lower-cost V-Drums kits. The star performers of the V-Drums series are Roland’s PowerPly mesh heads. These micro-perforated drumheads stretch over a shell/resonating body much like traditional drumheads, allowing players to fine-tune how much stick rebound and “give” each pad produces. Mesh heads are not only more customizable than rubber pads, but they also tend to be quieter and easier on the wrists. And, if you and your V-Drums occupy a shared living space or a quiet stage, you need all the sound reduction you can get.

Important!
For maximum sound isolation, pair your V-Drums with Roland Noise Eater drum hardware and isolation pads from Sweetwater.

Are VAD Kits Truly Hybrid?

Upscale V-Drums kits have long been regarded for their acoustic-like visuals and approach to the instrument. It generally holds true today that the higher you move up the V-Drums ladder, the more of a traditional, acoustic look you get. With that said, while Roland’s VAD (V-Drums Acoustic Design) kits are their most impressive electronic kits and feature a traditional acoustic-drum-set visual aesthetic, they are not truly hybrid kits. A true hybrid kit would enable you to take off the factory mesh heads and replace them with traditional acoustic drumheads (and possibly even disengage the onboard electronics entirely) — essentially turning your electronic kit into a working acoustic drum set. The Roland VAD series of drums simply do not allow you to do that. However, their more traditional drum/cymbal pad sizes and deeper, real-wood shells certainly make it easier for players of acoustic drums to make the switch to electronic drums. Here at Sweetwater, we think that the VAD drums are the most appealing option for acoustic-kit players who would like to add some electronic drums to their arsenal but are unsure how to go about it and would like as few “growing pains” as possible.

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Traditional or Digital Trigger Pads?

One additional option to consider is whether you want traditional “analog” trigger pads — those with one, two, or three internal sensors to capture performances — or Roland’s industry-leading multi-trigger digital pads found on its TD-27, TD-50X, and VAD kits. These digital pads up the ante by incorporating as many as eight internal sensors into their playing surfaces for zone realism and dynamics unlike anything else on the market.

Which V-Drums Kit Should I Buy if I’m Just Starting Out?

Sweetwater understands that electronic drums are a big purchase. We want you to carefully consider your budget and required criteria before you pull the trigger on your next set of V-Drums. With that said, for the money, we feel that the TD-17KV has the most features, sounds, and value to offer both a student and a semi-professional drummer. This kit has a low-latency response; great-feeling pads and cymbals; a well-rounded selection of drum kits; a large, 12-inch snare with a tunable mesh head; a collapsible 4-post V-Drums stand; and several important, grow-with-you features: MIDI control for virtual instruments, onboard training tools, and Bluetooth streaming for jamming along to songs.

Got V-Drums Questions? Call Sweetwater!

We hope this information has helped you narrow down your Roland V-Drums search. If you still have questions, then remember that your Sweetwater Sales Engineer is just a phone call away. Give us a buzz at (800) 222-4700, or shoot us an email, and let us know what you’re looking for in your next V-Drums purchase.

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